Writer’s Resist: Loud Together!

I don’t know about you, but I refuse to sit quietly and wait around for the incoming President’s administration to dismantle our hard-fought civil rights and constitutional protections. So I’m taking action and rallying with our friends at PEN America in New York City on Sunday, January 15, to defend free expression, reject hate crimes, and uphold truth in the face of lies and misinformation.

On January 20, Donald Trump will take the oath of office and swear to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. But we know better than to take his word for it. During his presidential campaign he openly threatened media outlets that might dare to publish negative stories about him, stating that if elected, “We’re going to open up libel laws, and we’re going to have people sue you like you’ve never got [sic] sued before.”(1)

His threats and insults directed toward journalists, the arbitrary limitations he places on media access, and his comments in support of legal reforms that would weaken First Amendment protections are incredibly concerning. He’s made it clear that his commitment to constitutional principles, including the freedom of expression, is tenuous, at best. That’s why we need to stand together and ensure our rights are protected.

Everything we’re fighting for — from environmental protection, to women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, healthcare, immigrant protections, and averting wars — is at risk if we can’t exercise our right to free speech or if the media can’t report freely, accurately, and without bias.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stand against hate and bigotry while defending our right to free expression. The more people who show up, the greater the impact our voices will have.